Eupatorium purpurea (Gravelroot) 9 cm Pot

Growth habit & appearance: Eupatorium purpureum, known as Gravelroot or Joe Pye Weed, develops into an impressive vertical clump with sturdy stems reaching up to two metres. Its broad, whorled leaves form tiered layers along the stems, culminating in dome-shaped heads of soft purple-pink blooms in late summer. These nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and pollinating insects, giving the plant strong ecological value as well as notable ornamental impact.

Growing conditions: Fully hardy in Ireland, Gravelroot performs best in fertile, moisture-retentive soil and tolerates both full sun and light shade. It is particularly well suited to damp borders, stream edges and low, rich ground where summer dryness is minimal. Although native to North America, it adapts seamlessly to Irish conditions as long as soil moisture remains steady.

Traditional & herbal uses: Traditionally associated with kidney and bladder stones, urethral discomfort, gout and rheumatic complaints, with roots historically collected for these purposes.

Maintenance & harvesting: Cut spent stems back to ground level in late winter as new shoots begin to rise. Mulching annually with compost helps maintain soil moisture and vigour. Plants may be divided in spring to control size or propagate robust new clumps. Gravelroot grows vigorously in rich sites, so staking may be useful in exposed gardens. Harvest roots in autumn once the top growth begins to die back.